Integrating Blockchain with IoT: Developing a Secure and Distributed Access Control Framework Using Advanced Algorithms

Abstract

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, traditional access control mechanisms, such as Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), face challenges of scalability, security, and centralization. These models rely on centralized authorities, leading to potential single-point failures and limited adaptability in dynamic IoT environments. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, tamper-resistant architecture, offers a promising solution to address these limitations. This research proposes a novel access control protocol for IoT environments that leverages a consortium blockchain to enhance security, scalability, and transparency. By integrating blockchain's distributed consensus mechanisms, cryptographic integrity, and smart contract capabilities, the protocol enables secure, automated decision-making without reliance on a central authority. The study explores the full computational potential of blockchain, utilizing smart contracts to implement access control judgments and manage network behavior. In doing so, it addresses key research gaps, including secure time synchronization, effective channel selection, network congestion, and the vulnerabilities of cryptographic hash functions. Additionally, this research aims to develop advanced algorithms for IoT systems, optimizing blockchain-based transactions and enhancing overall security. Through experimental analysis, the proposed framework demonstrates how blockchain technology can significantly improve access control in IoT, fostering a secure, decentralized, and efficient ecosystem for future IoT applications.